[AIDEN'S MANSION – MEDICAL ROOM]
The room smelled clean. Too clean. Cold lights above. Machines are humming softly. Aiden sat on the examination bed. Shirt slightly open, bandages visible. And his legs half-open too.
Not new. Not healed either. The doctor finished checking. Then sighed. "…I've already examined your wound." A pause. "It's not getting better."
Aiden didn't respond. Just leaned back slightly. Unbothered. "What exactly are you doing?" the doctor continued. His tone is firm now. "You're supposed to rest."
A step closer. "Not walking around."
"Not running your operations."
"And definitely not stressing your mind with all your… plans." Silence.
Aiden rolled his eyes slightly. "…You're just my doctor." A pause. "Don't overdo your job."
The doctor's brows twitched. "…Excuse me?"
"As your doctor…" His voice sharpened. "I'm telling you what to do." A step forward. "So, listen."
Aiden looked at him, unimpressed.
"…What's the point of me being your doctor…" The doctor continued, not backing down. "…if I don't give you proper advice?"
A pause. "…Or are you planning to die early?" Silence.
Aiden stood up. Slow. Careful, but hiding it well. "…I'm leaving." A glance at the door. "…You talk too much."
The doctor stared at him. Then shook his head. "…Unbelievable."
Aiden walked out. Without another word. The moment he stepped out; his hand moved. Pressing lightly against his shoulder. Pain. Still there. Sharp. Unstable. "…Tch." He straightened immediately. As if nothing happened.
From the corner, Zander leaned against the wall. "…Still acting tough?" A faint smirk. Kael stood beside him. Arms crossed. "…You're going to collapse at this rate."
Aiden didn't look at them. "…Mind your own business." Zander chuckled. "…Our business is you." A pause. "…You're the one dragging all of us into this."
Kael added quietly, "…And you're not in condition to finish it." Silence. Aiden finally turned. Eyes sharp. Cold. "…I don't need your concern."
Zander smirked. "…Yeah?" A beat. "…Then stop bleeding internally like an idiot." That hit. Aiden's jaw tightened slightly. But he didn't respond. Instead, he turned away. "…Prepare everything."
Kael narrowed his eyes. "…You're still moving forward?"
"…I don't have time to stop." Aiden's voice low. A pause. "…Not now."
A man wounded. But still moving. Still planning. Still fighting. Because for him, stopping, was never an option.
[CORRIDOR – (FLASHBACK)]
Raven lifted Vex's body carefully. Fast. Steady. Without hesitation. Phantom stood there, watching. Still. Unmoving.
To others, it looked like control. Like authority. Like he was giving orders, as usual. But the truth, was different.
His fingers twitched slightly. Hidden. Barely noticeable. I can't…
His body felt heavy. Weak. Unreliable. The pain from his own wound, still fresh. Still not healed. If he tried, he knew. He wouldn't be able to carry her. Not like before.
His jaw tightened. "…Raven." His voice remained steady. Controlled. "Take her." Raven didn't question. Just moved.
Phantom stayed behind. Watching them go. Because the one thing he wanted to do himself, was the one thing he couldn't.
[PRESENT – PHANTOM POV]
"…Tch." He leaned slightly against the wall. Just for a second. Weak… His eyes darkened. "…Not now." Because right now, he couldn't afford to be weak. It's about who you choose.
[LIAM MOSSBERG RESIDENCE – NIGHT]
The night was quiet. Too quiet. Sera sat outside, on a chair near the front of the ground. Half-awake. Half-asleep.
"…I feel like his wife already." She rubbed her eyes. "Waiting for my husband to come back from work." A yawn escaped her. "If I don't wait…"
"…he'll say I'm slacking again." She scratched her short, shoulder-length hair lazily. "…This job is really something."
Then, headlights. Bright. A sleek Porsche 911 entered the residence. Sera squinted. "…Finally." The car stopped. The door opened. Mike stepped out.
And immediately, Sera noticed. Blood. On his cheek. On his abdomen. Mike saw her, and didn't even hesitate. "…Hey." His tone sharp. "Can't you see I'm injured?" A step forward. "Hurry up and help me."
Sera blinked. Still half asleep. "…Sire… you're back already?" She rubbed her eyes again, trying to focus. Mike frowned. "…Of course, I'm back." A beat. "Move faster."
"You're so slow." Sera stood up quickly, supporting him. "…Why are you like this again?" She started walking him inside, still talking non-stop.
"Got into another fight?" A glance at his face. "…Your face doesn't even look human anymore." Mike scoffed. "…You talk too much." Sera ignored him. "I told you already…"
"Don't go around picking fights."
"…If you worked properly…"
"You wouldn't get beaten up like this." A pause. "And this mafia life"
"…not healthy, you know?" Mike rolled his eyes. "…Are you done?"
"Go get the medicine." Sera stopped. "…Why me?" A beat. "I'll call the doctor."
'Why do I have to treat him myself… more work at night… I should get overtime pay for this.'
Mike smirked slightly. "…You're my assistant." A pause. "So do your job."
Sera forced a smile. 'Calm down, Sera… don't argue… or he'll bring up that 'I saved you' story again.'
"…Yes, sire."
"Whatever you like, sire." Mike looked at her, amused. Satisfied.
[MIKE'S ROOM]
Sera started cleaning his wounds. Carefully, but still annoyed. Mike hissed. "…Oi."
"That hurts, are you trying to kill me faster?"
Sera didn't even look at him. "Just endure it."
"Sit still, can you?"
"How am I supposed to treat you if you keep moving?" Her other hand pressed against his body, holding him steady.
Mike sighed. "…Fine. Just be quick. I want to sleep."
Sera scoffed. "I want to sleep too, you know."
"Because of you… I lost my sleep time." She pressed slightly harder. "AH!" Mike glared. "…You did that on purpose."
Sera smiled innocently. "…No idea what you're talking about." Mike clicked his tongue. "…You're asking for it."
"I'll shoot you next time." Sera snorted. "Go ahead."
"I'm not scared." A beat. "You can't even hold a gun properly."
"…Your hands will shake." Silence. Mike froze. Just for a second. Then,
"…Done." Sera stood up. "…I'm going to sleep now."
"Good night, sire." Mike waved her off. "…Go away. You're annoying."
She left. Door closed. Silence returned. Mike sat there. Still. Then, his expression changed. "…That girl…" His voice low. "…Threatening me like that."
His hand clenched slightly. The memory hit. A gun. His father. That day. His fingers trembled, just slightly.
"…Tch." His eyes darkened. "…I'll deal with her tomorrow." A faint smirk appeared. "…Let's see how brave she is then."
A man feared by others, but haunted by his past. Because some fears, never leave.
[AIDEN'S MANSION – MEDICAL ROOM]
The room smelled clean. Too clean. Cold lights above. Machines are humming softly. Aiden sat on the examination bed. Shirt slightly open, bandages visible. And his legs half-open too.
Not new. Not healed either. The doctor finished checking. Then sighed. "…I've already examined your wound." A pause. "It's not getting better."
Aiden didn't respond. Just leaned back slightly. Unbothered. "What exactly are you doing?" the doctor continued. His tone is firm now. "You're supposed to rest."
A step closer. "Not walking around."
"Not running your operations."
"And definitely not stressing your mind with all your… plans." Silence.
Aiden rolled his eyes slightly. "…You're just my doctor." A pause. "Don't overdo your job."
The doctor's brows twitched. "…Excuse me?"
"As your doctor…" His voice sharpened. "I'm telling you what to do." A step forward. "So, listen."
Aiden looked at him, unimpressed.
"…What's the point of me being your doctor…" The doctor continued, not backing down. "…if I don't give you proper advice?"
A pause. "…Or are you planning to die early?" Silence.
Aiden stood up. Slow. Careful, but hiding it well. "…I'm leaving." A glance at the door. "…You talk too much."
The doctor stared at him. Then shook his head. "…Unbelievable."
Aiden walked out. Without another word. The moment he stepped out; his hand moved. Pressing lightly against his shoulder. Pain. Still there. Sharp. Unstable. "…Tch." He straightened immediately. As if nothing happened.
From the corner, Zander leaned against the wall. "…Still acting tough?" A faint smirk. Kael stood beside him. Arms crossed. "…You're going to collapse at this rate."
Aiden didn't look at them. "…Mind your own business." Zander chuckled. "…Our business is you." A pause. "…You're the one dragging all of us into this."
Kael added quietly, "…And you're not in condition to finish it." Silence. Aiden finally turned. Eyes sharp. Cold. "…I don't need your concern."
Zander smirked. "…Yeah?" A beat. "…Then stop bleeding internally like an idiot." That hit. Aiden's jaw tightened slightly. But he didn't respond. Instead, he turned away. "…Prepare everything."
Kael narrowed his eyes. "…You're still moving forward?"
"…I don't have time to stop." Aiden's voice low. A pause. "…Not now."
A man wounded. But still moving. Still planning. Still fighting. Because for him, stopping, was never an option.
[CORRIDOR – (FLASHBACK)]
Raven lifted Vex's body carefully. Fast. Steady. Without hesitation. Phantom stood there, watching. Still. Unmoving.
To others, it looked like control. Like authority. Like he was giving orders, as usual. But the truth, was different.
His fingers twitched slightly. Hidden. Barely noticeable. I can't…
His body felt heavy. Weak. Unreliable. The pain from his own wound, still fresh. Still not healed. If he tried, he knew. He wouldn't be able to carry her. Not like before.
His jaw tightened. "…Raven." His voice remained steady. Controlled. "Take her." Raven didn't question. Just moved.
Phantom stayed behind. Watching them go. Because the one thing he wanted to do himself, was the one thing he couldn't.
[PRESENT – PHANTOM POV]
"…Tch." He leaned slightly against the wall. Just for a second. Weak… His eyes darkened. "…Not now." Because right now, he couldn't afford to be weak.
[ROOFTOP – NIGHT]
The wind was cold. Soft, but enough to make the night feel heavier.
Alisa sat at the edge. Her usual spot. Looking at the city lights below. Quiet. Alone.
A shadow appeared behind her. Then, Kael climbed up, like it was nothing. And sat beside her. Alisa flinched slightly. "…You scared me." A beat. "It's just you."
Kael leaned back casually. "…Didn't expect you to like rooftops too." A faint smirk. "…Looks like this is your favorite place."
Alisa rolled her eyes. "…Do whatever you want." A pause. "If you don't like it here..." She waved her hand lazily. "…Shoo. Go away."
Kael raised a brow. "…You're chasing me away like a cat now?" Alisa smirked slightly. "...Depends."
"…Are you annoying?" Kael chuckled softly. "…Still thinking about Vex?"A glance at her. "She's fine."
"…Didn't expect you to be soft-hearted too." A faint smirk. "…Just like that person." Alisa frowned. "…What are you talking about?"
"I don't get it." Kael shrugged lightly, "…Nothing." He rubbed his hands together, feeling the cold.
Alisa looked at him. "…How long have you been working under Phantom?"
Kael leaned back slightly. "…Quite a while." A pause. "…Even I didn't expect I'd end up doing this kind of work." A faint exhale. "I owe him."
Alisa's eyes narrowed slightly. "…So you offered yourself to him."
Kael nodded. "…Something like that." Silence. Alisa turned her gaze back to the city. "…Then you must know." A pause. "What Phantom is really planning." Kael didn't answer immediately.
"…Not going to share?" Kael exhaled slowly. "…I made a promise." A beat. "…It's not easy to break that kind of loyalty."
Alisa scoffed lightly. "…So Zander's the same?" A pause. "…Betraying the organization just to follow Phantom."
Kael shook his head slightly. "…I don't really know Zander." A small smirk. "The day you arrived at the mansion…"
"…was the first time I met him too." Alisa raised a brow. "…Really?"
Kael nodded. "…He's fine." A pause. "…Just talks too much." A glance at her. "…Like your friend."
"…Blitz." Alisa chuckled softly. "…Yeah.." A small smile formed. "They've been fighting since training days." A beat. "Zander keeps teasing Xara…"
"…and she always fights back." Kael smirked. "…Sounds tiring." Alisa shook her head. "...You'll get used to it."
Silence returned. But this time, lighter. Kael looked at her, for a second longer than usual. "...You trust Vex a lot." Alisa didn't hesitate. "…Of course."
A pause. "…Do you?" Kael looked away. "…I trust Phantom." A beat. "…That's enough." Alisa's expression softened slightly. "…Even if he's wrong?"
Kael didn't answer. Because deep down, he wasn't sure anymore. Two people. Sitting side by side. On the edge, of something neither of them fully understood. Because sometimes, loyalty isn't about right or wrong. It's abou, who you choose.
Silence lingered again. The wind brushed softly past them. Alisa stared at the city. Kael sat beside her, quiet too. Unusual. And for a moment, everything felt calm. Too calm.
Then, CLANG! The rooftop door slammed open. "…OI!" A familiar voice echoed. Loud. Too loud. Both of them turned instantly.
Blitz stood there. Hands on her waist. Eyes scanning both of them, suspicious. "…WHAT are you two doing up here?" Alisa sighed. "…You just ruined the atmosphere."
Blitz ignored her. Pointing dramatically. "You!" Her finger moved between them. "Why are you sitting so close?" A gasp. "…Are you two having a secret meeting?!"
Kael blinked. "…What?" Alisa pinched her forehead. "…Xara…"
"…Use your brain." Blitz walked closer, narrowing her eyes. "…Hmm." A pause. "...Something's suspicious." She suddenly leaned in, VERY close to Kael.
"…You." A beat. "…Are you trying to recruit her?" Kael leaned back slightly. "…No." Blitz gasped again. "…Then..." Her eyes widened dramatically. "…ARE YOU FLIRTING WITH HER?!"
Silence. Kael froze. Alisa froze. "…What kind of conclusion is that?" Alisa snapped. Blitz crossed her arms. "…Don't lie." A beat. "I saw the way you looked at her." Kael blinked again.
"…I didn't..." Blitz pointed at him again. "…You DID." Alisa stood up immediately. "…Enough." A glare. "…Go away."
Blitz gasped dramatically. "…Wow."
"You're defending him now?" Alisa rolled her eyes. "…I'm defending my peace."
Kael quietly stood up too. "…Maybe I should go." Blitz turned instantly. "…YES." A beat. "…You should."
Kael paused, then smirked slightly. "…You're very loud." Blitz frowned. "…What?"
Kael walked past her calmly. "…No wonder Raven talks so much around you." Blitz froze. "..HEY!" She turned. "DON'T COMPARE ME WITH THAT GUY!"
Kael didn't even look back. "…Too late." Blitz stomped her foot. "…I'm NOT the same as him!" Alisa burst out laughing. "…You're worse."
Blitz turned to her. "…LISA!" The quiet rooftop, now filled with noise.
Arguments. Laughter. Chaos. But somehow, it felt normal again. Because no matter how heavy things got, Blitz would always break the silence...
TBC